No other coupe/sedan twosome is more dissimilar than the Hyundai Genesis collection. The four-door Genesis is an entry-luxury sedan that starts at about $34,000, the two-door version is a less-lavish sports coupe that starts at about $23,000, and they look nothing alike inside or out. But we're fans of both. Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or powerful V6, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a viable alternative to a wide range of otherwise-unrelated cars that includes the Honda Civic Si, Ford Mustang and Infiniti G Coupe.

You'll Like This Car If...

Compared to, for example, the Honda Civic Si, the four-cylinder 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T offers far bolder sheetmetal. In fully-loaded V6 form, the Genesis Coupe is a more affordable alternative to the Infiniti G Coupe. In all cases, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one fun, stylish ride.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe doesn't offer the same levels of driving feel or overall refinement as proven sports coupes, such as the Civic Si or the pricier Infiniti G Coupe.

What's New for 2011

Only a year into its existence, the Genesis Coupe has been given the kind of interior makeover we wouldn't expect to see until a mid-cycle refresh. Hyundai has been quick to address shortcomings, and the Genesis Coupe's interior wasn't as well-received as the rest of the car. A lean-and-mean Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec also joins the lineup for 2011.

Driving the Genesis Coupe

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe rides too harsh for some – which is exactly the kind of thing a performance-seeking buyer wants to hear. For those who would gladly trade...

some highway comfort for better handling and road-feel, the Genesis Coupe is at its very best when being tossed back and forth down a canyon road or around a racetrack. We had a chance to drive the 2.0T model with a manual transmission and the V6 with an automatic, and found both responsive. The shifting action of the manual transmission wasn't as refined or precise as we would have liked, but the unit worked well overall. The Genesis Coupe is fun to drive and can give more expensive coupes an honest run for their money.

Favorite Features

Sleek StylingIs there a more boldly styled car available for under $25,000? The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is fun to drive and all, but it's the sharp sheetmetal that really sets it apart.

Track TrimWhat's better than a sports car? A sportier one. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe can hang with some serious competition as is, but with a limited-slip differential, tighter suspension and bigger brakes, the Track and R-Spec trims are even more formidable.

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Details

Interior

The 2010 Genesis Coupe was dinged for a somewhat austere interior that didn't live up to the promise of the bold, overachieving sheetmetal. Hyundai wasted no time in addressing the issue. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe features softer, higher-quality materials throughout, plus some added chrome-finish trim pieces that tastefully liven up the joint. The front seats hold firmly and are comfortable even for longer rides; the small rear seat is at its best while hosting children and smaller adults.

Exterior

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe wears the boldest, sportiest sheetmetal ever penned by the Korean automaker. Although the styling is aggressive, it's a look we think will withstand the test of time.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has plenty of power throughout the rev range and operates smoothly with no hint of turbo lag. The 3.8-liter V6 is even silkier and more powerful, but the added weight forces a compromise in handling. Both engine choices offer their own advantages, and buyers will find either well-suited for daily and performance driving. The automatic transmission for the 2.0T is a five-speed, while that for the V6 is a six-speed.

"THIS IS A CLASSY, SLEEK , AUTOMOBILE. RELIABLE, COMFORTABLE WITH PLENTY OF HORSEPOWER WHEN THE NEED ARISES OR JUST WHEN YOU FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED. LOVE ALL THE FEATURES ON THIS CAR AND THE COMFORT OF IT.
PLENTY OF LEG ROOM FOR BACK SEAT PASSENGERS AND A LARGE ROOMY TRUNK."

will be our last Hyundai

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

3/10

Value

2/10

Reliability

4/10

Quality

5/10

Performance

6/10

Styling

3/10

Comfort

2/10

Pros: "nice coffee mug"

Cons: "electronic nightmare"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Car has "demons". After being turned off, car would start up again on it's own. The nav, radio, seats and mirrors have a mind of their own. Local dealership clueless and corporate Hyundai's solution to problem was to send us a coffee mug. Do not feel safe with car as there has been no "rhyme or reason" when the electronics do their quirks. Looking forward to getting our first Lexus."

"I have had the same brand/make for the past 17 years. I bought a 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora brand new. When it had to many miles 5 years later I looked for a new / something different car and was disappointed with what was a available so I bought a 1997 Aurora in 2003 from an older couple who used it rarely that had less than 20,000 miles on it. In 2009 I bought another low miles 1998 (big mistake) I threw tons of money into it constantly. Made my mechanic rich and on occasion I would test drive some vehicles on my days off and nothing compared to my Olds. Finally my mechanic said give up already. I looked at BMW's, Lexus, Cadillac and Infinity.
I hated almost everything that was in my $40,000 or less range. My car was sitting in the mechanic lot and after 2 days of car shopping/test driving I stopped in and said go ahead order that part that you said was going to take awhile/cost a lot for my drivers window of my 17 year old that won't roll up. My mechanic told me to go try a Hyundai Genisis first. I said "are you out of your mind I want a comfortable luxury car I am not going to look at a Hyundai." He talked me into it and WOW it is as close to my old car in power, comfort and luxury than anything that I was looking at (that I could afford)
I ended up with a used 2012 beautiful red, all the bells and whistles that I need with only 23,000 miles on it for only 28,000. I have not had a car payment for over 15 years and 407 a month with no money down feel like I stole it.
It is super comfortable, looks good, powerful. It does not hug the road as my olds did and Hard winds and highway puddles at high speeds and taking the ramps at ridiculous speeds when I get out of work at 3:30 do not give me the same sense of confidence that the olds did. I am comparing a car that I had for 17 years to one that I have had for 7 weeks so perhaps I just need to get use to the difference.
I tested and read tons of reviews on tons of cars before making this choice and unless you NEED to have a car with a prestigious name and are willing to pay a lot more or get something used with a lot more miles you will not find a better car for the $$. The 10 year, 10,000 mile warranty even for the used one could not be found on anything else I was looking at. I also like the fact that in Miami who does not have a BMW, Lexus or Infinity and since my vehicle does not say Hyundai but only genesis anywhere on it people are always asking me "what is that""

"After driving the majors, I drove the Genesis. Liked it almost as much as the others but bought it because it was 40% less expensive. After four years, I find it to be more reliable, more economical and very comfortable. I'd be in the market for a new car except that I don't care for the new Genesis and, frankly, I don't want to spend $80K for the Audi S6."